Mulan Hostel

Mulan Hostel has been exceptional. I have traveled for twenty five years and seen so many hostels I can’t count. This has been the best I have stayed at. I was there for four weeks total, a few days with my 70 year old mother, three weeks on my own in the women’s shared dorm room and the last bit in a private room as my husband joined me. It was so comfortable, clean and welcoming and the hosts were so lovely and went out of their way on a number of occasions to help me: definitely above and beyond the call of duty! The location was just off the chaos of Arashiyama in a quiet nice neighborhood and very accessible with a variety of transportation options. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. I will be staying there again should I happen to visit Kyoto in the future.

Really friendly host, communication worked perfectly. He gave me some tips about the attractions and you can get a map of the town and sights. Nice common room with place to work or read and a kitchen. I was also able to lend an adapter for my charger since mine didn't work and umbrellas were there, too. It's located great, in nice walking distance to attractions like the monkey park and the bamboo forest. The whole area is just so beautiful, but also very touristy. Bus stop right in front of the building, it takes a little to get to the main train station though. It's possible to leave your baggage there after already having checked out. On my last day I came back soaking wet from the rain to get my stuff and had to leave again almost right away. Luckily I could blowdry my clothes a bit real quick, which certainly saved me from getting sick afterwards.

A fantastic hostel in a quiet (but central) area of Arashiyama, very close to the Hankyu train station and the Togetsukyo Bridge. The hostel was beautifully designed, light, airy and spotlessly clean. The member of staff who greeted me was extremely friendly and helpful. She always had a smile on her face and did everything she could to help me. She is an asset to the hostel. The room was very clean. There was storage space and a small lockable cupboard to store valuables. The bunk bed was large and had space around it for belongings. The showers and washing areas were bright and clean. The kitchen was large and well equipped. Mulan is a very comfortable, relaxing and peaceful place to stay.

This is the best hostel experience that I had in Japan (I switched several hostels because of my long stay), then I realized the people who run the hostel are nice because they are Chinese people, not Japanese. I always had nice experiences with Chinese people everywhere I go. Unlike Japanese hosts who are super mean and cold to me, the staff at Mulan were very kind, accommodating and caring towards me. I can’t stress this enough because the day I stayed in Mulan was the only time that I could feel a human connection from people with a heart rather than cold hearted robotic Japanese people.

These first nights in Kyoto my 70 year old mother and I stayed in the women’s shared dorm room. The hosts made sure my mother had a lower bunk, and when we arrived, late and in the rain, they helped us to get a taxi last minute. We were both so impressed by their helpfulness and welcome and found the hostel very comfortable and clean. I continued to stay for an entire month after my mother left and was so happy with Mulan Hostel the entire time.